Relationship between Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Personality Traits

Abstract

Reactions to stimuli vary from person to person. The same stimulus has different effects depending on the perception of different people and the physical and mental states they are in. Considering this difference, situations can be seen in which a person perceives a specific stimulus or group of stimuli as negative and disturbing for themselves. In particular, people with high levels of sensory processing sensitivity feel the negative effects of stimuli more intensely both in terms of their internal processes (hunger, pain, sadness, stress, etc.) and the situation of the physical environment (loud noise, bright light, pungent odor, etc.) which they are in. On the other hand, the existence of situations where sensory processing sensitivity has a positive effect is also noticeable. In this context, the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and personality traits is examined. The concept of personality is explained in different ways by many different theorists in the international literature. In order to avoid confusion that may arise in the definition and understanding of personality traits, in this review study, personality traits are examined on the basis of the Five Factor Personality Theory. Within the framework of the personality definition of the Five Factor Personality Theory, The relationship between five basic personality traits and sensory processing sensitivity is examined by also considering the subdimensions of each five personality traits.

Keywords

• sensory processing sensitivity
• five factor theory of personality
• reactivity
• personality traits